Dundee Rundown

‘Bonnie’ Dundee is Scotland’s fourth city and is located in the North East of the country, on the banks of the Firth of Tay which flows out to the North Sea. Famous for its cake, as well as being the home of comic book publisher DC Thomson since 1937, where London has a statue of Nelson in Trafalgar Square, Dundee has a bronze figure of Desperate Dan, illustrating the importance of the Beano and Dandy publishing firm to the city.

Dundee’s past includes links to exploration – Captain Scott’s research ship the Discovery which he commandeered before he set off for the South Pole now lies at Discovery Point, part of the reclaimed Dundee Waterfront. Naval enthusiasts will also enjoy a visit to City Quay the newly revamped Victoria Docks which is home to the Frigate Unicorn, the oldest British-built ship still afloat after its initial launch in 1824.

Dundee is a well-known university city with the University of Dundee a highly respected institution and part of St Andrews University until 1967. Dundonians are an exceptionally friendly bunch, but you might find it slightly tricky understanding the local dialect – ye ken?

2) Dundee’s Top 10

10. Think golf is a good walk ruined? Then ruin a good walk with eighteen holes at Caird Park Golf Club.

5. Verdant Works See the treacherous conditions children worked in, just to add to the riches of the jute barons.

9. Camperdown Country Park is a haven for wildlife and the biggest public park in Dundee with plenty of space to park your picnic basket.

4. For Scotland’s answer to Brighton get down to the seaside resort and sweeping sands of Broughty Ferry.

8. DCA is home to Dundee’s contemporary arts scene, and the place to go for a cultural fix.

3. Sensation Dundee If you think science is boring then think again. Interactive exhibits based around the 5 senses.

7. Broughty Castle Sit imposingly on the banks of the Tay and climb the spiral staircase for fab river views.

2. Mills Observatory is best at night for spectacular star-gazing, but is pretty darn impressive in the daytime too.

6. Dundee Law Hill may be a bit of a climb but so worth it for the breathtaking city views.

1. Get your skates on and slip or spin your way around Dundee Ice Arena, the coolest place in town.

3) Dundee Events

The Dundee Flower and Food Festival in September boasts beautiful bloom and a smorgasbord of delicious delicacies.

You’ll be tickled pink when the Dundee Blues Bonanza takes over town in July for a whole weekend of great live music.

Dundee’s Mountain Film Festival takes place in November. A must-see for anyone with a love of exploration.

Dundee’s Broughty Ferry Gala Week in July is Tayside’s biggest and best summer festival with entertainment for all and a crazy carnival atmosphere.

A word to the wise – bookworms should fly north for the Dundee Literary Festival in October to meet the leading lights of the literary world.

Hip folk should plan to be around when Dundee’s Jazz Festival takes place in November.

Dundee’s Christmas Light Night in November transforms the town into a winter wonderland of festive fun, with a torch parade led by Santa himself.

Each August nearby Arbroath Harbour is host to SeaFest. A weekend of maritime merrymaking, a stone’s throw from Dundee. Make sure you sample an Arbroath Smokie.

Whitfest in August is a five day Dundee community arts festival full of good old-fashioned family fun and have-a-go stands.

The 5th November is bonfire night so wrap up warm and get down to Fireworks Night at Dundee’s Baxter Park.

4) When to Go

· Being in the north of the UK Dundee can experience quite cool temperatures however like the rest of the UK weather is not on the whole prone to extremes, and far warmer than areas on similar latitudes. Dundee’s location on the east coast also shelters it from the gales which typically batter the West of Scotland.

· Typical summer temperatures are around 20 -25°C with winter temps on average dipping to around 3-4°C. UK weather is known to be unpredictable however and temperatures can exceed the average or drop well below.

· Dundee tends to experience less rain than other areas in Scotland due to the rain shadow of the western uplands. This does not, of course, mean to say you won’t encounter a shower or too, so come prepared.

5) Getting There

· National Express operates two services a day direct to London from Dundee – at amazingly low prices, and as low as &pound;35 – it’s a long way to London. Scottish Citylink does what it says on the tin – connects cities in Scotland, with low fares.

· Trains run from Dundee to Edinburgh at a cost of around &pound;18 one way with a journey time of around one and one quarter hours.

· Visitors arriving by air have Dundee Airport at their disposal with daily scheduled flights between London City airport, Birmingham and Belfast.

Dundee attractions

Scotland has a rugged beauty, civic warmth and cultural pride that intrepid travelers lap up with gusto. The United Kingdom country has many worthwhile points of interest but perhaps more than any other, Dundee offers the best view. Location, as always, plays a major role in the city's star power as a notable tourist magnet. The north bank of the Firth of Tay, with the North Sea in the distance, is the attraction in this case and where 150,000 fortunate people call home.

With a vibrant arts, culture and festival scene, remarkable restaurants and nightlife, Dundee is a terrific place to set up camp. Vital landmarks like Discovery Point and the Verdant Works museum inform visitors about the city's legacy as a maritime and textile hub. Other paramount attractions include Broughty Castle, Dundee Parish Church and the Gothic Revival McManus Galleries. Dundee F.C. and Dundee United provide football fans with a world class derby.

Hotels in Dundee

Recommended hotels

Experience the comfortable accommodation blended with a warm hospitality and unsurpassed service at the Best Western Queens Hotel Dundee. GeneralThis property offers well-equipped meeting rooms... More

Plan your escape to the brilliant Holiday Inn Express, which offers a unique setting to savour the Scottish service and hospitality along with a luxurious accommodation experience in the downtown... More

Enjoy a quiet suburban location, 6 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, modern amenities and warm Scottish hospitality at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dundee. We will even welcome you with a... More

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Offering warm welcome and high standards of accommodation, this property is an ideal place for both business and leisure travelers alike. GeneralHaving a capacity of holding up to 320 delegates,... More

Offering stylish and contemporary accommodation, this property is the perfect base for business and leisure travellers alike. GeneralThe conference facility provided by the hotel is an ideal place... More

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The staff made our stay great

We spent a fantastic weekend at the hotel that was hosting our friend's wedding. The staff were really kind, helpful and friendly and that's why we'd come again. Not just for the great little spa...

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Prices reflect the lowest "base rate" found over the next 30 days. Rates are subject to change and may not include taxes and fees, hotel service charges, extra person charges, or incidentals, such as room service. Converted rates are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency. Taxes may be payable in addition.